This week, the Florida State Guard (FSG) completed its first annual training since Governor DeSantis reactivated the agency in June 2022. During the 14-day mission exercise, Soldiers underwent a series of challenging simulations to test their emergency response skills following a catastrophic hurricane impacting multiple counties.

Following the official launch of four operational units, the FSG practiced new skills on land, at sea and in the air with the activation of over 300 personnel.

“In less than eight months, we have recruited and trained over 200 new Soldiers, completed three phases of advanced training, expanded our partnerships with state and local agencies, developed four cross-functional units, and acquired high-demand assets to best support current and future missions,” said Mark Thieme, FSG executive director. “To meet the needs of Floridians, we will continue to accelerate training and achieve key milestones. This annual final exercise tested our ability to sustain simultaneous operations across multiple counties, coordinate with external partners, and validated our preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season.”

The Critical Response Battalion, the largest unit in the FSG, focused on land-based operations. During training, Soldiers operated distribution points, coordinated logistics for critical supplies, and provided humanitarian assistance in conjunction with the Aviation Response Squadron (ARS) and Maritime Response Squadron (MRS).

The ARS increased response efforts through aerial damage assessment and search and rescue operations and expanded its emergency response capabilities through the use of mobile incident command vehicles and unmanned aerial systems.

In a demonstration of interagency coordination, the MRS worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Members practiced inland and nearshore nautical skills, including basic vessel operations, search and rescue, and waterway exploration.

“As we enter what is expected to be a very busy hurricane season, FWC is committed to working with our partner agencies to provide solutions-focused support. Training for natural disasters and being ready to respond at a moment's notice are paramount. We are honored to partner with agencies like the Florida State Guard to ensure Floridians receive assistance as quickly and in a timely manner as possible,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

The Special Operations Unit conducts a series of water survival courses, flight support training and public safety exercises to enhance search and rescue readiness and medical evacuation procedures. This includes a series of training events in July and August to ensure the Special Operations Unit maintains proficiency and readiness for its mission-relevant tasks during hurricane season.

FSG and its partners will continue to strengthen the statewide emergency response to best serve Florida families during the upcoming hurricane season.

FSG is currently accepting applications for its upcoming initial training cycle in August. All eligible Floridians interested in serving are asked to apply at: www.floridastateguard.org/forgedIndividuals with qualifications and experience in aviation, maritime, information technology, data analytics and frontline healthcare are urgently sought.